If I Could Buy Only One – March 15th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the March 15th release, which one would it be and why?”

Bachelder Wismer Parke Pinot Noir 2022, Ontario, Canada
$54.95, Lifford Wine & Spirits (Select Wine Merchants)
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is once again a gorgeous Ontario wine that highlights, for those who are still agnostic, that our terroirs and winemakers can be world class. Thomas Bachelder’s 2022 Wismer Parke Pinot Noir is a bewitching coalescence of delicate floral notes, supple red fruit, and savoury herbal character. Fine filaments of spice glitter amidst this profusion of flavour. The texture too is beautiful – silky and impeccably balanced, with an exceptionally long, delicately saline finish. At $55, this pinot noir may seem like a splurge but cellar a bottle for a year or two and savour it one afternoon or evening – I think you will find that it is in fact more than fairly priced.

Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2023, Walker Bay, South Africa
$67.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
David Lawrason – I wrote about this wonderful wine in the newsletter earlier this week, but repeat it in case you missed it. It is a splendid, very refined pinot from Hemel-en-Aarde, made by Berene Sauls, who was born in the coastal region Walker Bay region, and learned winemaking at Hamilton-Russell, where she was first employed as a nanny, and now manages operations. The aromas are pristine with very well integrated cherry, pomegranate, fine spice and florals. It is light to medium bodied, exceedingly well balanced and almost creamy, yet with terrific acid and alcohol underpinning. Tannins are very fine as well. Not a hair out of place – and so pure. The length is excellent to outstanding. About 100 bottles of this ‘In Store Discovery’ were showing availability in Vintages Flagship stores on Friday night. Worth seeking out, as is the partner Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay at $47.95. A great matched set.

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2022, Galicia, Spain
$29.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
Sara d’Amato – It had me at first sniff! Bursting with wildflowers, pepper, and spice, this distinctly botanical mencía is the fruit of a collaboration between the renowned Alvaro Palacios of Priorat and his nephew, Ricardo Pérez Palacios. Their goal? To showcase the ancient vines of Bierzo in northwestern Spain. Pétalos, a “villages” style blend, boasts a broad flavour profile that’s as vibrant as it is complex. Ready to sip, it’s succulent, medium-bodied, and brimming with youthful energy.

Use these quick links for access to all of our March 15th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – March 15th
Megha’s Picks – March 15th
Sara’s Selections – March 15th